All-Star Spotlight Q&A with Dallastown swimmer Noah Brockway

During the last four years, Noah Brockway has made a lot of great memories.

And the final two weeks of that standout career gave the Dallastown senior even more to look back on, from a crazy District 3 Class AAA championship race, to a final post-race hug with his father, Wildcats assistant coach Chris Brockway.

Noah recalled the moment when an apparent second-place finish in districts was double-checked, giving him a victory in the 100 backstroke. He remembered his dad placing that gold medal around his neck, and their embrace after his final swim, when he anchored Dallastown's 400 freestyle relay team at the PIAA championships.

After swimming on his fourth straight YAIAA Division I championship team, winning a district gold, and taking three relays to states, Noah is the GameTimePA.com Boys' Swimmer of the Year.

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Why your sport?

Coming up having a swimming family and starting at the age of 8, it got me into it.

Love it as much as it seems?

I love the competitiveness and the friendships. It has become a passion for me.

Being a swimming star, what would you change about your sport?

Nothing I can really think of. How many years of swimming and I haven't had any issue.

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Do you have any superstitions on meet day?

The past couple years kind of got into saying a prayer for our team and everybody to do well. During the national anthem, I always bow my head and say quick prayer.

What was your favorite moment of the season?

Receiving the (100 backstroke gold) medal at districts from my dad. That's a special thing that will be a memory I'll always have.

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Is the water ever too cold?

At 5 or 6 a.m. it feels like it's 30 degrees. Coach (Rich Howley) says it's 80 degrees.

But swimmers like cool water, right?

Yes, I have swam competitive in warm pools before and don't feel as comfortable as a cooler pool.

During early morning practice, ever think you are nuts for being a swimmer?

Yes, that's probably crossed my mind a few times. I am not a morning person. (My dad) probably comes in and gets me up three or four times.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of putting in all the work and knowing in my four years there is nothing else I could have done or applied myself more to. I feel good about what I did, and am happy with how I worked.

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Did you ever dream the four years would go by so quick?

I didn't think it would go by that fast. When you are in regular season it seems like it takes so long. Once you get championship season it goes by so fast. It really hit me this year. I was very excited for states to go up with the guys, I was not ready for the season to come to an end.

Best event? Favorite?

Have to say the backstroke. At the end of race your legs hurt like crazy, it was always my favorite to do.

What did you think the moment Howley stuck up that finger that you won district gold?

I was going for first place and seeing I finished second was very displeasing. When I saw him hold up No. 1, I can't even explain the emotions and how my mood switched in a matter a seconds. My goal was to go out a district champion.

What's your favorite "Howley-ism"?

He always has something to say every day, always has words of wisdom. So much in four years he's put into me. It's stuff you wish you would write down. It's stuff you apply to life, not always just sports, swimming.

If your sport wasn't offered, what sport would you play?

Playing soccer would be my backup. I did play baseball up until sophomore year, baseball was the first sport I ever played.

Being a star athlete, you never eat junk food ... right?

That's all I eat. I probably have the worst diet of any athlete you would know. If I didn't swim, I would be like a truck. Favorite? Chicken nugget meal from McDonald's. Not the best for me, but most popular.

What is your favorite activity off the field?

Enjoy hanging out playing video games at friends' houses.

If you had a day all to yourself with no responsibilities, what would you do?

Usually I would relax and watch some TV at home, spend some time with my family.

Are you a clean or messy bedroom person?

It's very messy. It's mostly the clothing that lays on the floor. I could take a picture and send it to you: There'd be clothes on the floor. Mom will get tired of it and put them away.

What is the one thing you do that drives your mom or dad crazy?

Clothes on the floor. My dad does the laundry he puts it in my room. He sees it still sitting there, that's probably a pet peeve.

Which pro or college sports teams are your favorite?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the team I enjoy watching every Sunday.